Harrogate Borough Council
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Abnormal Loads
The movement of large or heavy loads in known as 'abnormal
loads'.
Hauliers who wish to move loads which are classed as
'abnormal' (for example those with a gross weight exceeding 40
tonnes), must notify and gain consent from the Police, the Highway
Authority and bridge owners along the proposed route.
An abnormal load can potentially go on any road provided the
haulier complies with the law. Some roads are
more suitable and more extensively used, for example A Class
roads.
Notice Required
The law requires the haulier to give a minimum of two clear
days notice to the Police, Highways Authority and bridge owners
before moving the load.
The notice period for loads over 150 tonnes, 6.1 metres wide
or 27.4 metres long is different and hauliers moving such loads
need special orders from the Department for Transport.
For full details of the notification requirements for large
and heavy loads, read the guidance published by the Department for
Transport:
Police AIL Load Width Diagram (PDF 39 Kb)
Diagrams outlining widths and weights of vehicles requiring notification to the police and/or the use of markers and/or lights. Notification period of 2 clear days.
Diagrams outlining widths and weights of vehicles requiring notification to the police and/or the use of markers and/or lights. Notification period of 2 clear days.